When life is hard,
say Onward!
Speaker and Advocate
Hi. I’m Jan. I am a successful small business owner, Stage IV cancer survivor/thriver, and third-degree black belt in Kenpo karate.
Photo Credit: Elisa Komins Morris Photography
At five-foot-nothing, I’ve often been underestimated, but usually only for the first few minutes you meet me. I may be small, but I am mighty.
My presentations combine stark honesty and wry humor wrought from my cancer “Adventure,” all of which will provide meaningful insights for your organization.
Whether speaking to healthcare organizations, industry associations, cancer survivors, women's groups or, frankly, any organization facing a significant challenge, my presentation of adversity and tenacity, injected with humor, is your ticket to perspective, inspiration and action.
Speaking Engagements
MorphoSys - MOR Community Connections Session - Keynote
U.S. Senator Tom Carper and U.S. Senator Chris Coons Press Conference - Speaker
Cancer survivor seeks to inspire change in healthcare system - Interview WDEL Radio
ACS HEALED Community Gathering - Speaker
2022 National Commercial - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Big Climb
National Comprehensive Cancer Network - Keynote
Topics for Consideration
You Shouldn’t Be Able To Do What You’re Doing? But I Am!
Living in Pain: Every Second of
Every Day
Resiliency - When You Just Want To Go Down the Rabbit Hole
Fine?!? You’re Staring Down Stage IV Cancer. Go Talk To Someone. Please.
One More ‘ologist’ - Better Strategies for Cancer Survivorship
Everyone Deserves Affordable, Accessible, Comprehensive Health Insurance
What People Are Saying
— Lisa Blunt Rochester
U. S. Congresswoman
Delaware
“I’m incredibly inspired by Jan’s
strength and fortitude, not only in beating cancer but in turning her adversity into action by helping those who continue to battle their diseases.
— Michael Marquardt
National Board of Directors
American Cancer Society
“Jan has a way of emotionally connecting with her audience that is wonderful to watch — and incredibly effective. Whether she is speaking alone with a U.S. Senator or in front of a crowd of 500, Jan has an uncanny ability to connect at a deeply emotional level. Jan’s passion and perseverance truly have been an inspiration to so many.”
- Andrew Rudawsky, MS, PT, ATC
Partner / Physical Therapist
Elite PT
I’ve had the distinct pleasure and honor working with a multitude of patients who have dealt with significant pathologies over the past 30 years. You, my dear Jan, really stand out in regards to having that internal drive to do what is necessary to survive. You work and focus on others to ensure favorable outcomes for those who were also dealing with cancer treatments. Thank you for being such an inspirational role model for us all as well as other patients who witnessed your recovery. Keep up the great work and Stay Strong.”
